JACKSON, MI – More than $200 million was saved by Consumers Energy customers who took advantage of the utility’s energy-efficiency programs in 2013.

In total, residential and business customers have saved $575 million through buying energy-efficient light bulbs, recycling old refrigerators and other energy-saving rebates through Consumers Energy since 2009, the company reported this week.

The state’s 2008 energy-reform law mandates that utilities offer energy-efficiency programs designed to save customers money by reducing future costs of providing service to customers.

“Michigan residents are using our energy efficiency programs to manage their bills,” said Garrick Rochow, Consumers Energy’s vice president of customer operations and quality. It’s a powerful tool to free up money for household budgets, especially during a cold winter like this one.”

Consumers Energy’s programs provide rebates in energy-efficient lighting and home appliances, as well as provide information on how to save more energy in homes and businesses.

Here are some key highlights from Consumers Energy’s energy-efficiency program:

The $575 million in energy savings is enough to power 450,000 homes with electricity and heat 180,000 homes with natural gas for a year

People can receive rebates in more than 200 ways, including efficient lighting and tune-ups to heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

More than 80,000 refrigerators and freezers have been recycled since the program began, avoiding carbon dioxide emissions equal to operating 150,000 cars per year.

In 2013, people bought more than 3 million energy-efficient light bulbs from about 400 retailers in Michigan.

Consumers Energy paid about $1.9 million in rebates in 2013 to homeowners who upgraded to more energy-efficient insulation and windows, compared to $2.6 million in 2012 and $1.4 million in 2011.